This archive report was first published on 24 May 2020.
On May 24, 2020, Safaricom Foundation, in partnership with Scope International, took a significant step to help curb the spread of Covid-19 by installing sanitation booths in six counties along Kenya's borders with Tanzania and Uganda.
The initiative, which aims to minimize the risks of cross-border infections and crowded areas, has seen the installation of 17 sanitation booths at strategic locations, including border points, ferry terminals, and bus stops.
According to Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of Safaricom Foundation, the decision to install the booths was informed by the need to address the weak links in the fight against Covid-19, particularly in crowded areas such as ferry and bus stops.
“We are aware that cross border infections are one of the weak links that exists as well as crowded areas such as the ferry and bus stops. This is the reason we decided to put up sanitation booths in these places to minimise the risks,” Ogutu said.
The sanitation booths, which are expected to serve up to 60,000 people daily, were installed at a cost of Ksh 1.1 million. The initiative is part of Safaricom Foundation's efforts to support vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stella Mbuga, Operations Officer at Scope International, welcomed the partnership with Safaricom Foundation, saying it prioritizes hygiene among vulnerable communities. “We are glad to have partnered with Safaricom Foundation on this project which prioritises hygiene among vulnerable communities. We hope that the booths will help reduce the spread of the virus,” Mbuga said.
